不同配比生理性脂质对皮肤屏障功能修复作用的比较

目的：用ConeofixR粘贴皮肤角质的方法,观察粘贴前后经表皮失水率（TEWL值）、角质层厚度（SCT值）和密度（SCD值）的变化来比较不同生理性脂质配比屏障修复剂对角质层屏障功能和完整性的影响。方法：在33名健康女性受试者上背部连续两天用ConeofixR粘贴皮肤,分别在粘贴3片、6片、10片前后检测TEWL值、在粘贴10片前后检测SCT值和SCD值。第8天涂抹4种生理性脂质配比屏障修复剂和5%甘油保湿霜两次,第9天再次检测。结果：涂抹神经酰胺和胆固醇为主的生理性脂质屏障修复剂处Coneofi xR粘贴3片前后的TEWL值无差异显著性（P〉0.05）;且在粘贴6片、10片前后TEWL值的增加较其它试验物小;涂抹神经酰胺为主的屏障修复剂处的SCT值在用CorneofixR粘贴10片后减小最小,而SCD值增加最大,涂抹5%甘油保湿霜处反之。结论：短期使用以神经酰胺为主的生理性脂质屏障修复剂对于皮肤受到胶带粘贴等物理性损伤的防护作用在四种配方中最优;SCT值和SCD值从检测角质层完整性和粘合力的角度评价皮肤屏障功能。     

二氧化碳点阵激光联合胶原贴敷料对凹陷性痤疮瘢痕患者皮肤屏障及ECCA权重评分的影响

目的:探讨二氧化碳点阵激光联合胶原贴敷料对凹陷性痤疮瘢痕患者皮肤屏障及痤疮瘢痕权重评分(ECCA)的影响。方法:选择2017年3月-2018年10月恩施土家族苗族自治州中心医院、湖北民族大学附属民大医院及恩施市中心医院收治的160例凹陷性痤疮瘢痕患者,采用随机数字表法分为研究组和对照组,每组80例。研究组采用二氧化碳点阵激光联合胶原贴敷料治疗,对照组单用二氧化碳点阵激光治疗。治疗前后分别使用ECCA对两组患者进行评价;同时选择角质层含水量、经表皮水分丢失(TEWL)、红斑指数(EI)和黑素指数(MI)进行检测,评价两组治疗对皮肤屏障的影响。结果:两组临床总有效率和显效率比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。治疗后两组皮肤屏障指标比较:两组TEWL、EI、MI均出现明显上升,角质层含水量则明显下降,研究组TEWL、EI变化幅度低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),但两组间MI变化无显著性差异(P>0.05)。ECCA权重评分比较:两组均随着治疗次数的叠加ECCA下降趋势更加明显,但是每个时间节点上两组之间ECCA比较则无显著性差异。研究组和对照组发生不良反应分别有6例(7.5%)和17例(21.25%),不良反应发生率比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论:二氧化碳点阵激光可明显降低凹陷性痤疮瘢痕患者皮肤ECCA,且随着治疗次数增加改善效果愈加明显,治疗后患者皮肤屏障功能受损,TEWL、EI水平均有明显上升,联用胶原敷贴料可保护皮肤屏障并降低治疗不良反应的发生率,但对MI和ECCA的变化无显著影响。     

护肤品对面部皮肤影响的量化评价

目的：探讨护肤品对面部皮肤影响的量化评价。方法：将272名受试者按面部防晒霜、保湿类护肤品及洗面奶（液）使用方式分每日使用组、不规律使用组、不使用组三组。采用医生主观评分、角质层含水量测定、黑素指数（melanin index,MI）测定、红斑指数（erythema index,EI）测定、皱纹图像分析方法,评价面部护肤品对皮肤状态的影响。结果：使用护肤品可降低皮肤主观评分、提高角质层含水量、降低MI值和EI值、使皱纹图像分析仪（Visioscan VC98）的绝大多数灰度参数以及SELS参数中平滑度参数向有利于皮肤状态如皮肤变光滑、皱纹减少等方向变化。结论：面部护肤品对皮肤状态存在有利的影响,对延缓皮肤老化起到了一定的防护作用。     

急性皮肤屏障损伤修复过程中各项生理物理参数的变化规律及LED红光对其干预作用的评价

目的：建立皮肤屏障急性损伤模型,通过皮肤无创检测技术了解皮肤屏障修复过程中各项生理物理参数动态变化过程,及各参数变化趋势的相关性;在建模的基础上评价LEDs光源窄谱非相干红光[波长（630±3）nm]的光生物调节对皮肤屏障修复的干预作用,为临床用红光辅助治疗皮肤屏障受损相关疾病提供参考。方法：用连续胶带粘贴法破坏皮肤屏障,在背部建立急性屏障损伤模型,建模前、建模后2min、建模后每隔24h检测经皮水分丢失（TEWL）、角质层含水量（CAP）、皮肤表面酸碱度（pH值）、黑素指数（MI）、红斑指数（EI）、皮脂表面含量（seb）。结果：建模后TEWL、CAP、pH值、EI均显著升高,MI、seb显著降低;修复过程中TEWL持续降低、CAP、seb先降后升,MI、EI均先升后降,pH值最先恢复;不同参数变化趋势在P＜0.05或P＜0.01的基础上存在或强或弱的相关性。（630±3）nm LED红光对TEWL、CAP、MI、EI等指标在皮肤屏障修复中晚期阶段有促进作用。结论：随着皮肤屏障的修复,各项生理物理参数呈现一定的变化规律,且参数之间有一定的依存关系。630nm红光能加快皮肤屏障的修复。     

超分子水杨酸治疗痤疮的效果及对皮肤屏障的影响

目的:观察超分子水杨酸对于痤疮的疗效及皮肤屏障的影响。方法:采用随机对照实验。选取痤疮患者40例,随机分为实验组和对照组,每组20例。实验组:给予30%超分子水杨酸换肤治疗,1周1次并配合外用特护霜,共治疗4次;对照组:仅每日给予特护霜外用。疗程结束4周后随访观察。治疗前及随访时使用CK无创皮肤检测仪检测两组患者面部皮肤生理指标,计数面部皮损。使用VISIA皮肤分析仪拍照留存。结果:实验组总有效率90%,对照组总有效率15%,两组比较有显著性差异(P<0.05)。同治疗前相比,实验组治疗后经皮水分丢失量(TEWL)、红斑值、角质层含水量及p H值均有改善,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。与对照组比较,实验组治疗后TEWL、角质层含水量及p H值均有改善,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。两组患者均未出现色素沉着、瘢痕等不良反应。结论:超分子水杨酸治疗痤疮疗效确切,同时具有修复皮肤屏障的作用。     

中药五积散联合果酸换肤术对寻常性痤疮患者皮肤屏障功能及面部pH值的影响研究

目的:探究果酸换肤术联合五积散对痤疮患者皮肤屏障的修复和内分泌调节的作用。方法:选取2018年5月-2019年3月于保山市人民医院皮肤科就诊的寒湿郁滞、脾胃湿热型痤疮患者120例,随机分为中药组、西药组、中西医联合组和空白对照组,每组30例。中药组采用五积散免煎颗粒治疗,西医选用果酸治疗,联合组采取中西医结合治疗,空白对照组不予治疗。比较四组的皮损积分、皮肤经皮水丢失(TEWL)、角质层含水量、pH值和证候积分。结果:治疗后,联合组的皮损积分低于西药组、中药组及空白对照组,空白对照组的皮损积分高于西药组、中药组(P0.05),治疗后较治疗前比较,除空白对照组外,其余的皮损积分均降低(P0.05)。治疗后,四组患者的鼻部TEWL无统计学差异(P0.05);但是四组的前额、脸颊TEWL不同,空白对照组、西药组及中药组的前额、脸颊TEWL均低于联合组(P0.05)。空白对照组的前额、脸颊TEWL均低于西药组、中药组(P0.05),联合组的前额、脸颊TEWL均较治疗前降低(P0.05);四组患者的鼻部角质层含水量无统计学差异(P0.05);但空白对照组、西药组及中药组的前额、脸颊角质层含水量均低于联合组(P0.05)。治疗前后比较,联合组的前额、脸颊角质层含水量均较治疗前降低(P0.05)。治疗前后,四组患者的pH值均在正常范围内,且均无统计学差异(P0.05)。治疗后,四组患者的证候积分两两不同,除空白对照组外,其余三组患者的证候积分均降低(P0.05)。结论:果酸联合五积散治疗寒湿郁滞、脾胃湿热型寻常性痤疮,能更好地修复患者皮肤屏障,改善患者内分泌指标,可临床推广应用。     

超分子水杨酸联合米诺环素治疗玫瑰痤疮疗效观察

目的:评价外用30%水杨酸联合米诺环素对丘疹脓疱型玫瑰痤疮的疗效。方法:选择35例诊断为丘疹脓疱型玫瑰痤疮的患者,随机选取半侧面部作为试验侧,在口服米诺环素(100mg,1次/d)基础上,试验侧外用30%超分子水杨酸治疗,每2周治疗1次,共3次,并联合使用保湿剂(2次/d);另一侧作为对照侧,在口服米诺环素的基础上使用保湿剂,2次/d。在治疗前及最后一次治疗后2周进行随访,通过炎症性皮损计数、临床医师红斑评估量表及MX18测定的皮肤红斑指数E值来判断皮肤炎症程度。通过测定皮肤角质层含水量、经皮失水量等皮肤屏障相关指标观察水杨酸对表皮通透性的影响。结果:共纳入患者35例,其中30例完成了试验,试验侧整体疗效优于对照侧,与对照侧比较能更早地改善丘疹脓疱及红斑,4周治疗结束后,试验侧红斑程度评分、红斑E值及TEWL改善优于对照侧,差异有统计学意义(P0.05);治疗4周后,试验侧与对照侧角质层含水量较治疗前差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:30%超分子水杨酸联合米诺环素治疗玫瑰痤疮,能够最大程度地减轻患者慢性炎症反应,有助于丘疹脓疱及红斑改善,同时在治疗早期阶段可促进皮肤屏障功能的修复。     

人参抗衰老面膜临床功效测试与分析

目的:对人参抗衰老面膜进行临床功效测试,包括短效测试和长效测试,评价了面膜抗衰老的功效。方法:短效测试中,测试皮肤含水量(皮肤角质层含水量)。在长效测试中,测试皮肤含水量(皮肤角质层含水量)、皮肤经皮水分流失值(TEWL值)、皮肤弹性R2值,并用VISIA智能拍照系统拍摄左侧脸、正脸、右侧脸。结果:分析结果显示,在短效测试中,使用人参抗衰老面膜,能够显著提高皮肤含水量;在长效测试中,使用人参抗衰老面膜,能够显著提高皮肤含水量,提高皮肤弹性,降低TEWL值,减少面部皱纹。结论:人参抗衰老面膜具有良好的抗衰老功效。     

超皮秒激光联合透明质酸注射在面部年轻化治疗中的应用

目的：探讨超皮秒激光联合透明质酸注射进行面部年轻化治疗的效果。方法：选择2021年1月-2022年6月在笔者医院要求进行面部年轻化治疗的就医者99例,按随机数字表法分为A组（n=33,单纯透明质酸治疗）、B组（n=33,单纯超皮秒激光治疗）、C组（n=33,超皮秒激光联合透明质酸治疗）。评价疗效,对比皮肤生理指标、皮肤屏障功能、不良反应。结果：治疗后,C组总有效率90.91%高于A组（69.70%）及B组（66.67%）（均P<0.05）。C组VISIA皮肤图像分析仪各项指标、经皮水分散失（Trans epidermal water loss,TEWL）、角质层含水量、表皮皮脂含量均较治疗前改善（P<0.05）,且治疗后C组各指标改善均优于A组、B组（P<0.05）。三组不良反应总发生率差异均无统计学意义（P>0.05）。结论：超皮秒激光联合透明质酸注射用于面部年轻化疗效肯定,可改善皮肤生理指标、皮肤屏障功能,且未增加不良反应。     

Cellyzyme(蘑菇提取物)的美白、祛皱疗效及安全性观察

目的:观察含有Celluzymo(蘑菇提取物)的美白换肤面膜的美白、祛皱作用及安全性.方法:招募30名健康受试者,左右侧面部随机分为治疗侧(使用舍CeLIuzyme的面膜)及对照侧(不用面膜).于使用面膜前、后不同时间点,检测皮肤颜色及角质层含水量,并由医师及受试者各自进行疗效主观评分.结果:治疗侧L差值(皮肤亮度)显著高于对照侧,而·a 差值(反应皮肤的红斑情况),含水量差值则无明显区别.医师及受试者的主观评分均认定面膜可使皮肤美白.毛孔细致、皱纹减少.结论:美白换肤面膜可安全而有效地改善皮肤色泽和质地.     

北京市高低端护肤品消费者皮肤特征比较研究

目的：比较北京市25～45岁女性人群长期使用高端护肤品与长期使用低端护肤品后的皮肤基础状况。方法：招募北京市25～45岁女性长期使用高端护肤品人群（高端消费者）与长期使用低端护肤品人群（低端消费者）,非干预性测试两组人群的皮肤水分含量、透皮水分丢失率、肤色、黑素含量,血红素含量、弹性、粗糙程度、皱纹、脱屑程度、油性、pH值等;同时由皮肤科医生对两组人群的红斑等刺激性指标和整体肤色等特征指标打分。结果：高端消费者表层皮肤含水量与低端消费者相近,但深层皮肤含水量明显高于低端消费者。高端消费者具有更好的皮肤屏障功能,肤色较白,弹性更好,皱纹较少。两组人群粗糙程度、pH值、油性和脱屑程度相差不大。从皮肤科医生的评分来看,两组人群的红斑、水肿等刺激性指标无差异,整体肤色等特征指标也无显著不同,但皱纹数量高端消费者明显少于低端消费者。结论：低端消费者与高端消费者的表层皮肤保湿效果相近,但在深层保湿效果上高端消费者明显优于低端消费者;高端消费者在皮肤屏障功能、肤色、弹性程度上显著优于低端消费者。     

甘草酸苷面膜对面部敏感性肌肤高反应状态的辅助治疗效果研究

探讨甘草酸苷面膜对面部敏感性肌肤高反应状态的改善效果。方法 选取2022年4月-10月 于重庆市中医院皮肤科门诊就诊的108例面部敏感性肌肤患者为研究对象，采用随机数字表法分为对照组 和观察组，每组54例。对照组使用透明质酸修复贴敷料进行辅助治疗，观察组给予甘草酸苷面膜进行 辅助治疗，比较两组敏感指数、临床疗效、皮肤无创定量检测指标、综合使用感。结果 两组治疗后敏 感指数均低于治疗前，且观察组低于对照组（P ＜0.05）；观察组治疗总有效率为75.00%，高于对照组的 37.74%（P ＜0.05）；两组治疗后TEWL低于治疗前，角质层含水量高于治疗前，且观察组治疗后TEWL低 于对照组，角质层含水量高于对照组（P＜0.05）；观察组对面膜的贴合度、吸收度、滋润感、方便性、接 受度及满意度评分均高于对照组（P ＜0.05）。结论 甘草酸苷面膜可有效改善面部敏感肌患者皮肤的高反 应状态，修复敏感肌，且使用方便，患者易于接受。     

A laboratory comparison between two liquid skin barrier products

Exposure of skin to friction and moisture is detrimental to skin health. The purpose of this experimental study was to investigate the ability of a cyanoacrylate polymer film to protect human skin against moisture and abrasion. A secondary purpose of this study was to compare this cyanoacrylate material to a traditional barrier film. Twelve healthy subjects participated in the wash‐off resistance test to determine the percentage of dye that was left on the skin after repeated washing. Ten subjects participated in the abrasion test. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) was measured before and after abrasion to determine the level of skin damage, as high water loss seen post‐abrasion is indicative of skin damage post‐abrasion. Skin treated with cyanoacrylate had significantly more dye remaining than sites treated with traditional film barrier or control sites. The change in TEWL was statistically lower for cyanoacrylate‐treated areas.     

Measurement of elasticity and transepidermal water loss rate of burn scars with the Dermalab

This cross-sectional study investigated the reproducibility of repeated elasticity and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) measurements with the DermaLab^® on 32 active burn scars and healthy skin. Intra- and inter-observer reproducibility was examined by means of intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) and standard error of measurements (SEM). Results showed good ICC values and rather high SEM values for inter- and intra-observer reproducibility of elasticity measurements. For TEWL measurements, ICC values were good and SEM values were high for inter- and intra-observer reproducibility. There was a significant difference between the estimated mean elasticity values of normal skin and grafted scars and between normal skin and spontaneously healed scars (p ≤ 0.003). For the estimated mean TEWL values, there was a significant difference between normal skin and spontaneously healed scars (p = 0.036). A significant negative relation was reported between mean TEWL and time after burn (p = 0.008). In clinical trials it is necessary to interpret patient-specific changes in elasticity and TEWL with caution, since the SEMs of both modes are rather high. We therefore recommend the use of a mean of repeated measurements of elasticity and TEWL to decrease the SEM.     

不同保湿预处理方法对硬式内镜清洗效果的影响

目的探讨不同保湿预处理方法对硬式内镜器械清洗效果的影响,选取有效的保湿预处理方法。方法取夜间手术使用后的硬式内镜2494件,将其按照使用顺序分为五组,A组482件,B组496件,C组508件,D组514件,E组494件。A、B、C、D组分别采用纯水、多酶清洗液、碱性清洁剂、预浸泡保湿凝胶进行喷洒保湿处理,E纽不进行保湿处理,按统一程序清洗,用目测法和隐血试验检测器械表面和管腔内的清洗效果。结果五组硬式内镜表面清洗合格率、管腔清洗合格率及残留血试验合格率比较,差异有统计学意义（均P〈0．01）,其中E组合格率最低,A组次之,B、C、D组合格率相对较高。结论保湿预处理能有效提高硬式内镜清洗效果,纯化水用于保湿预处理效果相对较差,多酶清洗液和碱性清洁剂及保湿凝胶保湿预处理效果较好。     

舒缓保湿修护霜在异维 A 酸软胶囊治疗痤疮中的皮肤保护作用

目的 观察舒缓保湿修护霜在异维A酸软胶囊治疗痤疮过程中的皮肤保护作用。方法 选择2020年 1月-2021年3月我院皮肤科门诊收治的60例中度痤疮患者为研究对象，均系统使用异维A酸软胶囊口服治 疗，治疗2周后随机分为观察组及对照组，各30例。观察组外用舒缓保湿修护霜，对照组外用氧化锌软 膏，两组均继续接受同等剂量异维A酸软胶囊口服治疗，比较两组面部异常状态及不适症状评分、皮肤属 性及角质层含水量，记录观察组满意度及不良反应发生情况。结果 观察组面部皮肤异常状态及自觉不适 症状评分低于对照组（P＜0.05）；观察组面部主观皮肤属性评分高于对照组（P＜0.05）；观察组客观平 滑度、水润度、柔韧性属性评分高于对照组（P＜0.05）；两组客观光泽度属性比较，差异无统计学意义 （P＞0.05）；观察组皮肤角质层含水量高于对照组（P＜0.05）；观察组治疗满意度较高，未发生不良反 应。结论 舒缓保湿修护霜可以缓解因异维A酸软胶囊治疗痤疮而产生的发红、干燥等皮肤不适症状，改善 皮肤状态，且安全性及患者满意度较高。     

胶原寡聚肽保湿抗皱功效评价及其机制的初步探讨

目的:通过人体试验评价胶原寡肽保湿抗皱功效,并对其机制进行初步探讨。方法:采用随机、双盲、对照的实验方法,对含有胶原寡肽成分的眼霜其保湿、抗皱效果进行临床效果评价;并用体外试验方法确定胶原寡肽对成纤维细胞增殖活性的影响。结果:与基础值相比,含有胶原寡肽成分的眼霜在第1、4周,可以显著地增加皮肤角质层的含水量,改善眼周皱纹;体外试验证实,胶原寡肽处理细胞后96、120h,成纤维细胞增殖活性显著增加,以1.00mg/ml组作用最显著。结论:在细胞水平,胶原寡肽可以促进成纤维细胞增殖;胶原寡肽做为化妆品的添加成分能够提高化妆品的保湿抗皱效果,但是其透皮吸收性及长期效果有待于进一步证实和提高。     

Occlusion and hydration of scars: moisturizers versus silicone gels

BackgroundThe mainstay of non-invasive scar management, consists of pressure therapy with customized pressure garments often combined with inlays, hydration by means of silicones and/or moisturizers as well as UV protection. It is generally accepted that scar dehydration resulting from impaired barrier function of the stratum corneum and expressed by raised trans epidermal water loss (TEWL) values, can lead to increased fibroblast activity and thereby hypertrophic scar formation. However, we have reached no consensus on exactly what optimal scar hydration is nor on barrier function repair: by means of silicone sheets, liquid silicone gels or moisturizers. Occlusive silicone sheets almost completely prevent TEWL and have been shown to be effective. Nevertheless, many important disadvantages due to excessive occlusion such as difficulties in applying the sheets exceeding 10–12 h, pruritus, irritation, and maceration of the skin are limiting factors for its use. To avoid these complications and to facilitate the application, liquid silicone gels were developed. Despite a reduced occlusion, various studies have shown that the effects are comparable to these of the silicone sheets. However, major limiting factors for general use are the long drying time, the shiny aspect after application, and the high cost especially when used for larger scars. Based on excellent clinical results after using three specific moisturizers for scar treatment in our patients, we wanted to investigate whether these moisturizers induce comparable occlusion and hydration compared to both each other and the widely recognized liquid silicone gels. We wanted to provide a more scientific basis for the kind of moisturizers that can be used as a full-fledged and cost-effective alternative to silicone gel.MethodsA total of 36 healthy volunteers participated in this study. Increased TEWL was created by inducing superficial abrasions by rigorous (20x) skin stripping with Corneofix® adhesive tape in squares of 4 cm². Three moisturizers and a fluid silicone gel were tested: DermaCress, Alhydran, Lipikar and BAP Scar Care silicone gel respectively. TEWL reducing capacities and both absolute (AAH) and cumulative (CAAH) absolute added hydration were assessed using a Tewameter® TM300 and a Corneometer® CM825 at different time points for up to 4 h after application.ResultsWe found an immediate TEWL increase in all the zones that underwent superficial abrasions by stripping. Controls remained stable over time, relative to the ambient condition. The mean percentage reduction (MPR) in TEWL kept increasing over time with Alhydran and DermaCress, reaching a maximum effect 4 h after application. Silicone gel reached maximal MPR almost immediately after application and only declined thereafter. The silicone gel never reached the minimal MPR of Alhydran or DermaCress. Hydration capacity assessed through CAAH as measured by the Corneometer was significantly less with silicone gel compared to the moisturizers. Compared to silicone gel Lipikar provided similar occlusion and the improvement in hydration was highly significant 4 h after application.ConclusionBased on the results of both our previous research and this study it is clearly demonstrated that the occlusive and hydrative effect of fluid silicone gel is inferior to the moisturizers used in our center. Lipikar hydrates well but is less suitable for scar treatment due to the lack of occlusion. A well-balanced occlusion and hydration, in this study only provided by Alhydran and DermaCress, suggests that moisturizers can be used as a scar hydration therapy that replaces silicone products, is more cost-effective and has a more patient-friendly application.     

保湿剂短期内对乳酸刺痛者皮肤屏障的修复作用

目的：通过乳酸刺痛者使用保湿剂,观察该保湿剂对敏感人群皮肤屏障功能的影响。方法：30名经10%乳酸刺痛筛选合格者,每天使用保湿剂2次。在试验前、使用后14天和使用后28天,应用皮肤水分测定仪和经表皮失水率测定仪测定面部皮肤相关参数,并重复进行乳酸刺痛试验。结果：受试者对乳酸刺痛的敏感程度在28天内没有显著改变,皮肤含水量在28天显著增高,皮肤经表皮失水率在14天即出现显著降低;乳酸刺痛敏感程度与皮肤含水量呈显著负相关。结论：短期内,保湿剂对乳酸刺痛者皮肤屏障的影响表现为皮肤含水量增高和经表皮失水率降低,而对乳酸刺痛敏感程度改变不大。     

Dry skin (xerosis) in patients undergoing maintenance haemodialysis: the role of decreased sweating of the eccrine sweat gland

The aetiology and the pathophysiological mechanisms underlyingthe development of dry skin in uraemia are still unclear, butthe hydration status of stratum corneum clearly influences theappearance of skin. The xerotic skin texture is often referredto as ‘dry skin’ and has been suggested as a causeof uraemic pruritus. To understand the aetiology of dry skinin uraemia we measured the status of skin surface hydrationof uraemic patients with the corneometer and skin surface hydrometer,the functional capacity and the urea concentration of stratumcorneum and the response of eccrine sweat gland to sudorificagent (0.05% pilocarpine HCL) in 18 age-matched haemodialysispatients and 10 healthy volunteers. We also performed the watersorption-desorption test to uraemic and control subjects afterapplication of urea in various concentrations. Uraemic patient'sskin showed decreased water content compared to control subjects.However, we found no correlation between dry skin and pruritus.Although the urea concentration of the horny layer in uraemicpatients was elevated compared to control subjects (28.2 ug/cm2vs 5.04 ug/cm2, P<0.05), its moisturizing effect to relievepruritus is questionable because its artificial applicationrevealed no improvement of the functional capacity of hornylayer in concentration 5 times higher than the physiologicalconcentration. Uraemic patients showed decreased sweating responseto sudorific agent. In conclusion, the functional abnormalitiesof eccrine sweat glands may be account for dry skin in uraemicpatients at least in part, but there is no correlation betweenxerosis and pruritus.